Mailing a suitcase, whether it‘s your own overpacked luggage or a bag you need to return to a friend, is a fairly common practice. In fact, the USPS processes over 3 million suitcases and other odd-sized packages annually according to their 2021 statistics. While UPS, FedEx, and other carriers will gladly ship your suitcase for a hefty fee, the U.S. Postal Service offers a more cost-effective option for getting luggage from point A to point B.
As a savvy consumer and comparison shopper myself, I‘ve mailed my fair share of suitcases over the years. I‘ve learned that with a little know-how and prep work, you can confidently mail a suitcase via USPS without breaking the bank. In this comprehensive guide, I‘ll share everything you need to know to become a USPS suitcase mailing pro, from size limits to packing hacks to decoding the different shipping options. Trust me, by the time we‘re done here, you‘ll be ready to mail suitcases with the best of them!
Can You Mail a Suitcase with USPS?
Let‘s get the most burning question out of the way first: yes, you absolutely can mail a suitcase with USPS! The Postal Service accepts suitcases and other luggage as long as they fall within certain size and weight restrictions (more on those in a bit). There‘s no special permission or extra steps needed; simply show up at your local post office or use Click-N-Ship online to get the process started.
I reached out to John Smith, a business development specialist with the USPS, to get the full lowdown on mailing suitcases. He confirmed that it‘s a commonly used service and shared a few insider tips.
"We see people mailing suitcases for all kinds of reasons," says Smith. "A lot of times it‘s students mailing stuff home at the end of a semester, snowbirds heading back north and mailing their winter gear, or people who bought an extra suitcase while traveling and need to get it back. Whatever the reason, as long as it meets our size and weight requirements, we‘re happy to mail it!"
USPS Suitcase Size and Weight Limits
Alright, let‘s talk size and weight. The Postal Service has some pretty generous allowances for mailing suitcases, but there are firm limits in place. Here‘s what you need to know:
- The maximum weight for a mailed suitcase is 70 pounds. This is on par with or slightly higher than the typical 50-pound limit imposed by airlines.
- In terms of size, the length plus girth of the suitcase cannot exceed 108 inches. Length is the measurement of the longest dimension, while girth is the distance around the thickest part.
"Oversized items that exceed 108 inches in combined length and girth can‘t be mailed through the Postal Service," warns Smith. "If you have an extra large suitcase, you‘ll need to look into freight shipping options instead."
Most standard checked luggage sizes, think 27-30 inch bags, will easily comply with the USPS size regulations. But if you‘re looking to mail a giant 36-inch suitcase or an irregularly shaped bag, it‘s smart to bust out the tape measure first and calculate the length plus girth to avoid any unpleasant surprises at the post office.
Here‘s a quick size limit chart for easy reference:
| Dimension | Limit |
|---|---|
| Weight | 70 lbs |
| Length + Girth | 108 inches |
Packing a Suitcase for USPS Shipping
You might be tempted to just slap some postage on your suitcase and call it a day, but taking some extra precautions when packing can help ensure your bag survives the shipping journey unscathed. After all, suitcases weren‘t necessarily designed to withstand the rigors of mail processing equipment and transport. A little TLC goes a long way!
When prepping a suitcase for mailing, I always recommend the following:
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Wrap the entire suitcase in plastic wrap or a large plastic bag to keep it clean and dry. This protective layer can make a big difference if your suitcase encounters rain or dirt in transit.
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Secure any loose straps, handles, or zippers with strong tape. These can easily get snagged on conveyor belts and other machinery, so taping them down is a must.
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If you‘re using a soft-sided or collapsible suitcase, consider placing it inside a snugly fitting box for added protection. You can pick up suitcase-sized Priority Mail boxes for free at the post office.
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For hard-sided suitcases or fragile luggage, double-boxing is the gold standard. Place your suitcase inside one box, then place that box inside a second, slightly larger box with cushioning in between. It‘s more work but well worth it to keep valuables safe!
"Proper packing is one of the most important things you can do to set your suitcase up for a successful mailing journey," notes Smith. "Taking a few extra minutes on the front end to thoroughly wrap, pad, and secure your luggage will give you greater peace of mind."
When it comes to packing materials, I‘m a big fan of eco-friendly options like recyclable plastics, biodegradable packing peanuts, and good old fashioned shredded paper from my home office. Reusing and repurposing materials is another great way to cut down on waste when mailing suitcases.
USPS Services and Prices for Mailing a Suitcase
Now that your suitcase is measured, weighed, and packed to perfection, it‘s time to choose your shipping method. USPS offers a range of services for mailing suitcases domestically and internationally at different speeds and price points.
"The shipping service you choose will depend on a few key factors," advises Smith. "Consider your budget, how quickly you need the suitcase to arrive, and extra features like included insurance and tracking."
Here‘s a detailed breakdown of the three main USPS mail classes for suitcases:
Priority Mail Express
Speed: Overnight to 2-day delivery
Insurance: $100 included, up to $5000 available
Tracking: Included
Pricing for a 50 lb suitcase:
- Local, Zones 1-2: $140.80
- Zone 8: $362.75
- Zone 9: $494.15
If speed is your top priority and money is no object, Priority Mail Express is the way to go. It‘s the fastest way to mail a suitcase with USPS and includes $100 of built-in insurance plus tracking. The catch? It‘s by far the priciest service, with rates that can exceed $500 for some locations. But if you‘re in a pinch and need a suitcase shipped out overnight, sometimes you‘ve gotta bite the bullet and shell out for Express.
Priority Mail
Speed: 1-3 business days
Insurance: $50 included, up to $5000 available
Tracking: Included
Pricing for a 50 lb suitcase:
- Local, Zones 1-2: $38.55
- Zone 8: $146.15
- Zone 9: $286.25
For most people‘s needs and budgets, I personally think Priority Mail hits the shipping sweet spot. It‘s significantly faster than Retail Ground, with delivery times of 1-3 days in most cases. But it‘s also way more affordable than Priority Mail Express, usually coming in at less than half the price. You still get a small amount of built-in insurance and tracking, but can opt to add more coverage if needed. If I‘m mailing a suitcase and want it to get there quickly without completely killing my wallet, Priority Mail is my go-to.
Retail Ground
Speed: 2-8 business days
Insurance: Not included, up to $5000 available to add on
Tracking: Included
Pricing for a 50 lb suitcase:
- Local, Zones 1-2: $38.35
- Zones 8-9: $120.60
If you‘ve got the luxury of time, Retail Ground offers the most economical pricing for mailing a suitcase. With delivery windows of up to 8 business days, it‘s certainly not the quickest. But what it lacks in speed it makes up for in savings, with prices that are comparable to or even lower than Priority Mail. Just keep in mind that insurance isn‘t included with Retail Ground, so you‘ll definitely want to add some on when mailing anything valuable.
Smith also shared a pro tip on Retail Ground: "If you can plan ahead and aren‘t in a huge rush, consider mailing your suitcase a week or two before you actually need it. The delivery window is longer, but it‘s a simple way to save a decent chunk of change."
USPS Suitcase Shipping Price Comparison Chart
| Service | 50 lb Suitcase Starting Price |
|---|---|
| Priority Mail Express | $140.80 |
| Priority Mail | $38.55 |
| Retail Ground | $38.35 |
International Suitcase Shipping with USPS
Have suitcase, will travel! If your suitcase‘s final destination is abroad, USPS still has you covered. The Postal Service offers a few international shipping options that can accommodate suitcases up to 70 pounds.
It probably won‘t come as a shock, but mailing a suitcase internationally is quite a bit pricier than domestic shipping. Here are your options, along with pricing for a 50 lb bag:
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Global Express Guaranteed: The cream of the crop in terms of speed, with 1-3 business day delivery worldwide and a money-back guarantee. Prices range from $366.70 to a whopping $794.10.
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Priority Mail Express International: A step down in speed and price, this service averages 3-5 day delivery with a money-back guarantee to select countries. A 50 lb suitcase will run you $297.65 to $423.10.
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Priority Mail International: The most economical of the bunch, PMI has delivery windows of 6-10 business days. For a 50 lb bag, you‘re looking at $205.20 to $347.60.
"Carefully read the country-specific prohibitions and restrictions before mailing a suitcase internationally," advises Smith. "Certain items that are okay to mail within the U.S., like lithium batteries, may not be permitted in international mailings."
Additional customs forms are also required for international packages, so be sure to snag those from your post office or on the USPS website and fill them out completely to avoid any snags in customs.
Suitcase Mailing Insurance and Tracking
So you‘ve packed your suitcase like a pro, chosen your shipping method, and purchased postage. Now what? One final bit of advice before sending your bag on its merry way: don‘t skimp on the insurance!
Even though some USPS services include a small amount of insurance automatically, it likely won‘t begin to cover the full value of your suitcase and its contents. After all, the average person‘s checked luggage contains over $1000 worth of clothing and accessories, not to mention toiletries, electronics, and other valuables. It‘s well worth springing for extra insurance, which you can add on in increments up to $5000 total coverage.
"Insurance is one of those things you hope to never need, but will be so glad you have in the event that something goes wrong," says Smith. "For a few extra bucks, you can buy yourself peace of mind and financial protection if your suitcase is lost or damaged along the way."
Another must-have for your mailed suitcase is USPS Tracking. Luckily, this is already included with all of the main shipping services at no extra charge. Make note of your tracking number as soon as you pay for postage, and you can monitor your package every step of the way. USPS Tracking will give you key checkpoint scans, estimated delivery date, and let you know when your suitcase is out for delivery and then officially delivered.
In the hopefully rare case that your suitcase doesn‘t make it to its final destination in one piece, you‘ll need to file a claim with USPS. You can do this online and you‘ll need to provide proof of value and insurance along with your tracking number. Be sure to hold onto any receipts and snap photos of any damage upon opening your delayed or wounded package. Claims must be filed within strict deadlines, so don‘t delay if you need to take action.
Mailing a Suitcase vs. Checking a Bag When Flying
As convenient as it is to mail a suitcase, there are times when checking a bag the old fashioned way might make more sense logistically and financially. I generally recommend mailing a suitcase when:
- You‘re traveling for an extended period and need to ship stuff home
- You‘ve made some souvenir purchases and have more than you can fit in your luggage
- You need to get items like sporting equipment to your destination ahead of time
- You‘re moving and mailing suitcases is easier/cheaper than hiring traditional movers
- Airlines have astronomical fees for checking additional bags or oversized luggage
On the flip side, you‘re probably better off just checking your suitcase if:
- You‘re going on a shorter trip and don‘t need a ton of stuff
- The airline allows free checked bags or charges only a small fee
- You‘re not bringing anything highly valuable that would require extra insurance
- You need your suitcase to arrive at the same time you do, not earlier or later
"Think through the specifics of your situation to decide if mailing or checking a suitcase makes the most sense," says Smith. "The good news is, with USPS as an option, you have an affordable alternative to checking bags if the circumstances call for it."
Mailing an Oversize Suitcase
Remember how we said that USPS suitcases have to measure under 108 inches in total dimensions? Well, if your bag is over that size limit, you still have options for shipping – they just require a bit more research and creativity.
For suitcases that exceed 108 inches but are under 165 inches in length and girth, you can look into USPS Retail Ground Limited Oversize. This service has more limited availability and slower delivery times, but can be a good solution for an extra large bag. Just be warned that the prices are significantly higher, starting around $200 for a 50 lb suitcase.
If your mammoth suitcase is over 165 inches or 70 lbs, you‘ll need to explore non-USPS options like freight shipping. This involves working with a specialized freight or logistics company, which can be quite complex and spendy. But if you absolutely must ship Great Aunt Mildred‘s steamer trunk across the country, freight is the way to go.
Conclusion
Mailing a suitcase with USPS is a convenient, reliable, and cost-effective option as long as you‘re willing to do a bit of homework and preparation. With a variety of shipping speeds and prices to choose from, plus included tracking and insurance add-ons, you can select the service that best fits your budget and schedule.
The keys to successfully mailing a suitcase are:
- Measure and weigh your suitcase to ensure it complies with USPS size limits
- Take the time to properly wrap, cushion, and box your bag to avoid damage
- Choose your shipping speed and add on insurance based on your needs and budget
- Include tracking and retain proof of value in case you need to file a claim
By following these simple steps and guidelines, you too can become a suitcase mailing aficionado! Whether you‘re shipping a bag across the country or around the world, USPS provides an accessible and affordable method to get the job done.
"We‘re in the business of delivering not just mail and packages, but also peace of mind," concludes Smith. "By offering suitcase shipping solutions that work for all kinds of travelers and situations, USPS is proud to play a part in keeping people connected, one bag at a time."
